McDonald fills the void after Police Chief Nate Harper, who is under federal investigation, was forced out by Mayor Luke Ravenstahl.

In her first news interview since assuming command, she told Channel 4 Action News reporter Bob Mayo, "First of all, I'd like to say I'm not a target of any investigation. I have worked, cooperated fully with the investigations, as well as (has) everybody under me."

McDonald said she was been interviewed by FBI agents but that she has not been subpoenaed by the federal grand jury.

Mayo asked the acting chief if she feels in any way betrayed by the alleged actions of Harper and others in the bureau.

She answered, "I feel betrayed in a way, yeah. I feel used, at times. But I know that I've worked hard to establish the credibility and integrity of the secondary employment office and continue to do so, and that's my goal."

The police special events and secondary employment offices that are under scrutiny were under her line of authority as assistant chief for administration. But she said the investigation of potential misappropriation of funds is focusing on the police personnel and finance office, which she said Harper moved from under her to under his own authority in 2010.

McDonald's message to Pittsburgh taxpayers?

"I want to assure them that we're doing everything we can to cooperate with the FBI, with the Controller's Office to get to the root of the real problem. If there's any criminal activity, we want those people prosecuted and brought to justice," she said.

Asked what city residents should know about her personally, McDonald said, "People who know me know that I'm a person of integrity. Honesty and integrity. I work very professionally. I give 100 percent to this job."

Regarding police morale, McDonald said, "A lot of officers are upset. They feel embarrassed, and it's time we move forward, work together and bring it back to the integrity it once had."

She also added, "We have a lot of outstanding men and women that work for the Pittsburgh police, not only on the street but in command positions, that are very anxious to put this behind them, to move forward."

When Mayo asked McDonald whether there are more big changes ahead for Pittsburgh police brass, she said, "I will be sitting down with other chiefs, and we will be discussing that and meeting (city Public Safety Director Michael Huss) and making recommendations."

When Mayo asked, "So, shakeups are in the works?" McDonald responded, "Most likely."

When asked if she wants the job of Pittsburgh police chief on a permanent basis, McDonald said, "Right now, I'm just concerned with the present and doing all I can to make the necessary changes and improve the image of the Pittsburgh police.”